The Cameos of Caring Award honors exceptional bedside nurses who work in acute care hospitals. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to consistent, evidenced-based clinical decision-making and excellence in nursing care; serve as an effective advocate for patients and their families; encourage and motivate others, and be recognized as a role model for the profession of nursing; practice nursing involving direct patient care; be a licensed RN and be a direct employee of the hospital.

Jill L. Hrynda, RN, received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Gannon University and is currently a registered intravenous therapy nurse on the Vascular Access Team at Heritage Valley Sewickley. Jill experienced fulfillment in helping others at a young age. She was not afraid or intimidated by assisting with the care of her elderly family members which inspired her to explore opportunities within the nursing profession. Jill values the day-to-day interactions she has with patients and enjoys the constant opportunities to help others. “As a nurse, I can positively affect their day and help to lift their burden during a time of hardship and illness,” she said. Jill also takes pride in helping to ease the workload of staff nurses by spending extra time with patients “to alleviate fear and apprehension.”

Misty Burton, RN, received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Kent State University and is currently a registered nurse in the IV Therapy Department at Heritage Valley Beaver. Misty was exposed to the nursing profession at a very young age. While going through a kidney transplant, she was struck by how compassionate and comforting her nurses were—she knew that she also wanted to make people smile and feel comforted. “I wanted to be able to hold their hand and tell them it would be okay and pray with them when it might not be,” Misty said. Whether it’s a patient, family members, co-workers, or visitors, Misty believes that nursing is an opportunity to make someone smile and feel comforted. “The smile you give the world can change it!”

“Heritage Valley is fortunate to have highly skilled and dedicated nurses at all of our locations,” said Kathy Harley, MBA, BSN, vice president and chief nursing officer, surgical and procedural services at Heritage Valley Health System. “Jill and Misty are excellent nurses who are committed to patient care and promoting the nursing profession. We’re proud to have them as Cameos of Caring awardees this year.”

Jill and Misty will be honored at the 20th Annual Cameos of Caring Awards Gala on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

###

About Heritage Valley Health System Heritage Valley Health System is a $480 million integrated delivery network providing comprehensive health care for residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties, in Pennsylvania; eastern Ohio; and the panhandle of West Virginia. In partnership with 3,500 employees and more than 480 physicians, Heritage Valley offers a broad range of medical, surgical and diagnostic services at its two hospitals, Heritage Valley Sewickley and Heritage Valley Beaver; in 60 physician offices; and 18 community satellite facilities. For more information about Heritage Valley Health System, please visit www.heritagevalley.org.